Best 400cc Bikes in India 2026

Any good rider needs a riding companion, but how do you choose the right one for you? In the realm of powerful bikes, 400cc bikes have carved out a distinct niche. This is because 400cc bikes offer a sweet spot that caters to both experienced riders and relative newbies.

In this article, we'll take you through some of the best 400cc bikes in India as well as bikes that perform like 400cc bikes. Hopefully, this should help make your purchase decision a little bit simpler.

Here's a closer look at the features and specifications of some of the top 400cc bikes available in India:

Bajaj Dominar 400

Best For: The Bajaj Dominar 400 is a fantastic option for riders who are looking for a bike that's good for both daily commuting and occasional long-distance touring.

Engine: 373.3cc, Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled

Power: 39.4 bhp @ 8800 rpm

Torque: 35 Nm @ 6500 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Features: Full LED lighting, digital instrument cluster, slipper clutch, and a twin-barrel exhaust.

Kawasaki Ninja 400

Best For: The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is a great option for anyone that's looking for a sporty yet approachable bike. The bike is also popular among youngsters, thanks to its stylish design.

Engine: 399cc, Parallel-twin, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled

Power: 47.5 bhp @ 10,000 rpm

Torque: 38 Nm @ 8,000 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh

Features: Supersport styling, dual-channel ABS, and a lightweight chassis.

Benelli Imperiale 400

Best For: The Benelli Imperiale 400 is great for riders who are fans of classic styling and a laid-back riding experience. The comfortable seat and relaxed ergonomics of the bike make for a leisurely ride.

Engine: 374cc, Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled

Power: 20.7 bhp @ 5500 rpm

Torque: 29 Nm @ 4500 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed constant mesh

Features: Classic design, spoke wheels, and a twin-pod instrument cluster.

Triumph Speed 400

Best For: Riders looking for a modern roadster with premium build quality and everyday usability.

Engine: 398.15cc, Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled

Power: Approx. 39.5 bhp @ 8000 rpm

Torque: Approx. 37.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed

Features: Ride-by-wire throttle, upswept exhaust, LED lighting, and a minimalist roadster design.

Triumph Scrambler 400 X

Best For: Riders who want scrambler-style versatility for both city roads and light off-road trails.

Engine: 398.15cc, Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled

Power: Approx. 39.5 bhp @ 8000 rpm

Torque: Approx. 37.5 Nm @ 6500 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed

Features: Longer-travel suspension, dual-purpose tyres, and higher ground clearance than the Speed 400.

KTM RC 390

Best For: Riders seeking full-fairing supersport styling with track-oriented handling.

Engine: 373.27cc, Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled

Power: Approx. 43 bhp @ 9000 rpm

Torque: Approx. 37 Nm @ 7000 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed

Features: TFT instrument cluster, aggressive supersport fairing, and available quickshifter.

KTM 390 Adventure

Best For: Riders planning long-distance touring across mixed on-road and off-road terrain.

Engine: 398.63cc, Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled

Power: Approx. 43 bhp @ 8500 rpm

Torque: Approx. 39 Nm @ 7000 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed

Features: Long-travel suspension, switchable dual-channel ABS, and a TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation.

Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z

Best For: Riders who want a muscular streetfighter with strong low- and mid-range performance for city riding.

Engine: Approx. 373cc, Single-cylinder, liquid-cooled

Power: Approx. 40 bhp @ 8500 rpm

Torque: Approx. 35 Nm @ 6500 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed

Features: Upside-down front forks, LED lighting, and aggressive streetfighter styling.

Kawasaki Z400

Best For: Riders who prefer a naked streetfighter version of the Ninja 400's twin-cylinder platform.

Engine: 399cc, Parallel-twin, liquid-cooled

Power: Approx. 45 bhp @ 10,000 rpm

Torque: Approx. 37 Nm @ 8,000 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed

Features: Lightweight trellis frame, upright ergonomics, and naked streetfighter styling.

QJ Motor SRK 400

Best For: Riders looking for a newer entrant in the segment with a modern electronics package.

Engine: 400cc, Parallel-twin, liquid-cooled

Power: Approx. 44 bhp

Torque: Manufacturer data pending wider availability

Transmission: 6-speed

Features: Modern styling, full-colour instrument cluster, and a competitively priced twin-cylinder engine.

400cc bikes in India are generally grouped into a few broad categories based on riding style and intended use:

● Naked/Streetfighter: Upright ergonomics with an exposed engine and minimal bodywork, suited to city and everyday riding (e.g., Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z, Kawasaki Z400).

● Sport/Supersport: Full-fairing bikes built for performance-oriented riding, with a more committed riding posture (e.g., Kawasaki Ninja 400, KTM RC 390).

● Adventure Tourer: Built for long-distance and mixed-terrain riding, with taller suspension and touring-friendly ergonomics (e.g., KTM 390 Adventure).

● Retro/Classic: Styled around vintage design cues, prioritising comfort and relaxed ergonomics (e.g., Benelli Imperiale 400).

● Scrambler: Roadster-based bikes tuned for light off-road capability with dual-purpose tyres (e.g., Triumph Scrambler 400 X).

Choosing the right motorcycle can be quite challenging, but knowing your priorities can help greatly. Here are some things to consider before settling on a 400cc bike:

●Riding Experience: Assess your riding experience. While some 400cc bikes are suitable for beginners, others may be more performance-oriented and better suited for experienced riders.

●Purpose of Use: Map out why you need the bike — a daily commuter, a long-distance tourer, an adventure bike, or a sporty weekend ride. Different 400cc bikes cater to different riding styles and purposes.

●Comfort and Ergonomics: Consider seat height, handlebar position, and overall riding posture, particularly for longer journeys.

●Maintenance and Ownership Costs: Evaluate service intervals, cost of routine maintenance, and spare parts availability, especially for lesser-known or imported models.

●Fuel Efficiency: 400cc bikes are generally less fuel-efficient than smaller-displacement bikes, so factor this into your running costs.

●Insurance Costs: Insurance is mandatory and recurring, and costs can vary depending on the bike's make, model, and your location.

For daily commuting, riders typically look for a comfortable riding posture, manageable weight, and reasonable fuel efficiency. Bikes such as the Bajaj Dominar 400 and Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z are commonly considered for daily use, given their upright ergonomics and city-friendly power delivery. The ideal choice depends on your riding preferences, commuting distance, traffic conditions, and feature requirements.

• Comfortable Riding Position: An upright seating posture can help reduce fatigue during daily rides and improve overall comfort in city traffic.
  

• Manageable Performance: A smooth power delivery makes it easier to navigate congested roads while still offering enough performance for highway rides when needed.
  

• Fuel Efficiency: For regular commuting, a bike with balanced performance and fuel economy can help keep running costs under control.
  

• Practical Features: Features such as LED lighting, digital instrument clusters, navigation support, and USB charging can enhance daily usability.
  

• Versatility: Many 400cc motorcycles are designed to handle both city commutes and occasional long-distance trips, making them suitable for riders seeking an all-rounder.
  

• Maintenance and Ownership Costs: Considering servicing requirements, bike spare part availability, and overall ownership costs can help in selecting a bike for daily use.

For long-distance touring, riders generally prioritise comfort over extended hours, luggage-carrying capability, and stable highway performance. The KTM 390 Adventure and Bajaj Dominar 400 are frequently considered for touring due to their touring-focused ergonomics, capable suspension setups, and suitability for highway rides. Depending on riding style and travel requirements, several 400cc motorcycles offer a balance of comfort, performance, and practicality for long journeys.

• Comfort for Long Rides: A relaxed riding posture, well-cushioned seat, and ergonomic handlebar position can help reduce rider fatigue during extended journeys.
  
• Highway Performance: A 400cc motorcycle typically provides sufficient power for cruising at highway speeds while maintaining stability and rider confidence.
  
• Suspension Setup: Long-travel or well-tuned suspension can improve ride quality by absorbing bumps and uneven road surfaces encountered on touring routes.
  
• Luggage-Carrying Capability: Provision for saddlebags, tail bags, or touring accessories can make carrying essentials more convenient on long-distance trips.
  
• Fuel Tank Capacity: A larger fuel tank can reduce the frequency of refuelling stops, making it suitable for covering longer distances.
  
• Touring Features: Features such as navigation support, USB charging, wind protection, and digital instrumentation can enhance overall touring convenience.

Given the higher on-road cost of 400cc bikes compared to entry-level motorcycles, many buyers opt to finance their purchase through a two-wheeler loan rather than paying the full amount upfront. Two-wheeler loans typically cover a significant portion of the on-road price, with tenures commonly ranging from 12 to 48 months and interest rates that vary based on the lender, loan amount, and applicant profile.

• Flexible Loan Amounts: Lenders may finance a substantial portion of the bike's on-road cost, helping reduce the upfront financial burden.
• Convenient Repayment Tenures: Borrowers can usually choose from multiple repayment periods, allowing them to select a tenure that aligns with their budget and repayment capacity.
• Monthly EMI Payments: The total loan amount is repaid through fixed monthly installments over the selected tenure.
• Online Application Process: Many lenders offer digital application facilities, making it easier to apply for a two-wheeler loan and track the loan status online.
• EMI Calculators: Using an Bike Loan EMI calculator can help estimate monthly repayments based on the loan amount, tenure, and applicable interest rate before finalising the purchase.
• Eligibility-Based Approval: Loan approval, interest rates, and financing terms may vary depending on factors such as income, credit profile, employment status, and lender policies.
• Financing for Various 400cc Models: Two-wheeler loans can be used to finance eligible 400cc motorcycles across different brands, subject to the lender's terms and conditions.
   

You can explore Two Wheeler Loan options on Bajaj Markets, including EMI calculators to help estimate monthly repayments before making a purchase decision.